Mornings with Radio 774: Can John Howard's Medium of Choice Enhance Public Sphere Activity?

Abstract

This paper addresses the necessity for program-specific analysis in radio research by focusing on Jon Faine's Morning Program on ABC Radio 774 (Melbourne). After establishing the present prime minister's preference for radio appearances over all other types of media, I examine the extent to which Faine's particular iteration of talkback has the capacity to enhance public sphere activity, given the view that this medium is strategically being utilised by politicians to gain virtually uncontested access to listeners. My examination occurs principally through a morning's observation of Faine's program, supported by information from recordings of a constructed week of the program from the previous two months. My findings suggest that, while a certain amount of ‘top-down’ flow of information is unavoidable, some contestation of ideas often occurs, mitigating politicians’ exploitation of at least this particular program. Faine's program does, moreover, seem to give the impression of an acceptance of listeners’ calls on topics that affect their daily lives, even though only a small number of ‘ordinary’ callers are featured each day. My observations suggest this program does offer processes that enhance public sphere activity, although with some qualifications.